Heated Seat Module

Replace the heated seat module on a 2005 Dodge Viper by accessing the module mounted beneath the seat, disconnecting electrical connectors, and installing a new unit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heated seat module × 1 — Use OEM specification for seat-specific module
• Electrical connector dielectric grease × 1 — Mopar part 04318075AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Turn ignition off and remove key.
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal to prevent electrical shorts and allow airbag system to discharge.
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes after battery disconnect for supplemental restraint system capacitor discharge.
5. Position seat to full forward travel for best access to rear mounting bolts, then move to full rearward position to access front mounting bolts during removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Seat Trim Covers
   Locate the plastic trim covers at the base of the seat where it meets the floor. These covers conceal the seat mounting bolts. Carefully pry off the trim covers using a trim removal tool or flat-blade screwdriver wrapped in tape. Set covers aside for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove Seat Mounting Bolts
   Position the seat full rearward to access the front mounting bolts. Remove the 2 front seat mounting bolts using the appropriate socket. Slide the seat full forward and remove the 2 rear seat mounting bolts. Note the location of any ground straps attached to the seat mounting points.
   ⚠Seat is heavy and may shift once all bolts are removed. Ensure stable positioning before fully removing fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect Seat Electrical Connectors
   Tilt the seat backward carefully to access the underside. Locate all electrical connectors feeding the seat. Note connector positions and colors for reassembly, and verify against the vehicle's actual wiring configuration. Press the locking tabs on each connector and disconnect. Note connector positions and colors for reassembly.
   ⚠Some connectors have secondary locking tabs or sliding locks. Inspect each connector carefully before pulling to avoid breaking locking mechanisms.
4. 4

   Remove Seat from Vehicle
   With all electrical connections disconnected and mounting bolts removed, carefully lift the seat assembly from the vehicle. The seat is heavy; use proper lifting technique. Verify actual weight before lifting. Place seat on a clean, padded work surface with cushion facing up. Avoid placing weight on seat cushion or side bolsters.
5. 5

   Access Heated Seat Module
   With the seat removed and placed cushion-up on the work surface, locate the access point to the heated seat module on the underside of the seat. The module is typically mounted to the seat frame beneath the cushion. You may need to remove a protective cover or fabric shield secured by plastic clips or fasteners to access the module directly.
6. 6

   Disconnect Heated Seat Module Connectors
   Locate the electrical connectors attached to the heated seat module. There will be at least one connector for power/control and one or more connectors for the heating element circuits (seat cushion and seatback). Press the connector locking tabs and disconnect all connectors from the module. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
7. 7

   Remove Heated Seat Module Mounting Fasteners
   Identify the fasteners securing the heated seat module to the seat frame. Remove the module mounting fasteners using the appropriate driver. Verify the actual fastener count and type against service documentation. Support the module while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove Failed Module
   Once all mounting fasteners are removed, carefully extract the heated seat module from its mounting location. Note the orientation and positioning of the module for proper installation of the replacement. Inspect the mounting area for any debris, moisture, or damage that could affect the new module.
9. 9

   Install New Heated Seat Module
   Position the new heated seat module in the same orientation as the original. Align mounting holes with the seat frame mounting points. Install the module mounting bolts finger-tight initially to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect Module Electrical Connectors
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals if desired for corrosion protection. Connect all electrical connectors to the new heated seat module, ensuring each connector clicks fully into place and locking tabs engage. Gently pull on each connector to verify secure connection.
11. 11

    Reinstall Seat Access Covers
    If any protective covers or fabric shields were removed to access the module, reinstall them now, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly secured. Verify no wiring is pinched or stressed by the covers.
12. 12

    Reinstall Seat Assembly
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it over the floor mounting points in the vehicle. Align the seat mounting holes with the floor studs or mounting points. Reconnect all seat electrical connectors (heating, occupancy sensor, seatbelt pretensioner) before fully lowering the seat into position.
13. 13

    Install Seat Mounting Bolts
    Install all 4 seat mounting bolts finger-tight. Ensure any ground straps are properly positioned under bolt heads where applicable. Torque all seat mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left) to ensure even seating of the seat base.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall Seat Trim Covers
    Press the plastic trim covers back into place over the seat mounting bolts at all four corners. Ensure covers are fully seated and secure.
15. 15

    Reconnect Battery and Test System
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off). Activate the heated seat controls and verify the seat heats properly. Test both heat settings (if multi-stage) and verify indicator lights function correctly. Allow the system to run for 3-5 minutes to confirm proper operation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is included in the main procedure steps above.
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged before operating the heated seat system.
3. Verify seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification for occupant safety.
4. Test seat adjustment mechanisms after reinstallation to ensure no interference with wiring or module.

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and activate heated seat switch. Verify indicator light illuminates.
• After 2-3 minutes of operation, carefully feel seat cushion and seatback to confirm even heating across both surfaces.
• Cycle through all heat settings (if equipped) to verify each level functions correctly.
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to seat systems or airbag systems.
• Test seat adjustment (fore/aft, recline) to ensure smooth operation with no binding or electrical interference.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle